Instant Pot Lentil Soup {Vegetarian}

This easy and healthy Instant Pot Lentil soup is incredibly tasty and hearty! Crockpot and vegan adaptations and instructions are also included.

Do you know how ugly lentil soup is? I mean, just downright butt ugly. People say you eat with your eyes first. If that is the case, I would eat lentil soup with my eyes c-l-o-s-e-d.

But if eating visually is the first step, actually tasting food is the next. And when you taste this lentil soup, you’ll forget all about its homely appearance. If you want a pretty (and delicious) soup, check out my Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup!

Packed full of veggies and other flavors, this soup is pleased to knock your taste buds proverbial socks off after your initial reaction.

You can make this lentil soup in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stove top. You can make it vegan, vegetarian, or omnivarian (<—- let’s call that a thing). It’s versatile and delicious.

How Long Do Lentils Take in the Instant Pot?

You’re going to be cooking your lentils for only 12 minutes in this recipe. You hear that? Probably not because you’re reading this, so…

This recipe uses brown lentils, but you can also use green lentils and cook for the same amount of time. If you are going to be rocking some red lentils in this recipe, reduce the cook time to 10 minutes.

How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Place the lid on and switch it to the lock position. Switch the vent to “sealing”. Press Manual then High Pressure and adjust the time to 12 minutes. It will take around 10 minutes to get up to pressure.

Once the time is up, allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Then use a kitchen towel and flip the switch to “venting”. Place the towel over the vent and allow it to depressurize fully. It took 8 minutes total for me.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

No Instant Pot? Crockpot and stovetop instructions are included in the printable recipe card.

This soup was made in an 8 quart Instant Pot. If you have another sized Instant Pot, the cook time will be the same. Just make sure you don’t fill the inner pot more than two-thirds full.

As written, this recipe is vegetarian. Use a dairy-free pesto to make it vegan. Add some diced ham, bacon (cooked), or sausage (cooked) if you prefer to include meat.

Throw in some spinach at the end of the cook time for some added greens.

Place the lid on and switch it to the lock position. Switch the vent to "sealing". Press Manual then High Pressure and adjust the time to 12 minutes. It will take around 10 minutes to get up to pressure.

Once the time is up, allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Then use a kitchen towel and flip the switch to "venting". Place the towel over the vent and allow it to depressurize fully. It took 13 minutes total for me.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

Stove Top Instructions

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine olive oil, carrots, celery, and onions. Cook down for 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook on medium until lentils are soft (about 30 minutes).

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Lentil Soup {Vegetarian}

Amount Per Serving

Calories 217Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 350mg15%

Potassium 742mg21%

Total Carbohydrates 27g9%

Dietary Fiber 10g40%

Sugars 4g

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A168.9%

Vitamin C21%

Calcium6.5%

Iron16.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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This recipe was originally published in December 2017. New photos have been added. For reference, this is one of the photos from the original post:

27 comments on “Instant Pot Lentil Soup {Vegetarian}”

I love red lentil and often use them for soup, but they are quite different from brown lentils. Red lentils fall apart when you cook them whereas brown lentils hold there shape and have a firmer texture.

Wow, another delicious soup recipe. Thank you! I always thought I didn’t like lentils but every time I make a recipe I come across, I like them. Made this as posted and it is super good!! For post ideas, could you do one on Instant Pot and why you like it or why I need one? I borrowed one and made this soup (amazing) and quinoa yesterday. I like it well enough but not sure I “need” it. One more thing to take up space or best thing ever?

You should be totally fine! Both green and brown lentils hold their shape well in soups and stews. If you’re using the Instant Pot it won’t be an issue. If making it on the stovetop you’ll likely need to cook them a bit longer than brown lentils.

Made this with red lentils last wee… freaking tasty enough that I’m making it again today. Perfect food for the end of a ski day. I have to admit we are adding on more ham this time (just cuz I’m a sucker for the stuff)

Omg this was delicious. Made without meat and have never cooked lentils before but am trying to eat less processed foods. Packed it in our lunches during the week. Wow. Smoked paprika and the pesto-genius! I might have to make another batch today!

Hmmm, do I open my Instant Pot Christmas present early (that I bought for myself from my husband), or do I wait until Christmas? I’ve had it a week and a half and have, so far, ignored the box sitting in my entryway.